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![]() Thursday, July 22, 1999 Published at 18:38 GMT 19:38 UK ![]() ![]() Sci/Tech ![]() E-hallmark promised for Web trade ![]() The Consumer Gateway links to advice and information ![]() By Internet Correspondent Chris Nuttall The UK government says it hopes to have an e-commerce code and e-hallmarks ready by the end of the year to boost consumer confidence in buying goods online. Details of the code were published in a Consumer White Paper on Thursday, which also announced a new Website, The Consumer Gateway, with information to help consumers get a better deal in both the online and offline worlds. In another development, the government is expected to publish a long-awaited electronic commerce bill, now renamed the Electronic Communications bill, on Friday. Comments will be welcomed as the bill cannot be introduced in parliament before November at the earliest. Code to address consumers' needs The e-commerce code is based on three requirements, according to the White Paper:
Building online trust The e-hallmark will guarantee that its users are legitimate traders offering assurances on security of payments and communications and giving accurate information on goods, prices and a returns policy. A new body, with the working title of TrustUK, will be set up to accredit e-commerce codes and there are plans to market the e-hallmark internationally. The government says it wants to work in Europe for an EU-wide code and with the OECD on its guidelines for consumer protection.
Consumers' Association pioneers Web Trader The code is being drawn up with the help of the Alliance for Electronic Business and the Consumers' Association. The Association launched a similar scheme last month called Web Trader. The Electronic Communications bill will deal with the legality of electronic signatures and the setting up of a voluntary licensing system for those wanting to offer services such as the secure transmission of data. The most contentious part of the bill deals with a right of law enforcement authorities to serve decryption notices on those it suspects are using coded data for criminal pruposes. ![]() |
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